Amid the controversy surrounding the Chester Hill housing project, Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has clarified that the authority functions as a statutory regulatory body with due transparency, accountability, and in strict accordance with the law.
The chairperson of RERA, RD Dhiman, through a letter dated May 13, has conveyed to the Additional Chief Secretary (Housing) that all information pertaining to registered housing projects is maintained in the public domain on the RERA portal, ensuring openness, accountability, and regulatory clarity for all stakeholders. “RERA consistently ensures that all regulatory actions are undertaken strictly as per the prescribed statutory framework in the interest of allottees and stakeholders,” he said.
Dhiman has also sent a copy of his response to the DGP (Vigilance and Anti-Corruption) in reference to the letter written by Gupta on May 7.
Dhiman’s response comes in the wake of a letter sent by Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta to the Vigilance Bureau to procure the relevant records and documents relating to all Joint Development Agreement (JDA) real estate projects from RERA. Gupta, in his letter, had expressed apprehensions about alleged violations of Section 118 of the HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act in JDA projects.
The Vigilance Bureau was directed by the Chief Secretary to furnish the complete details sought within 15 days. The letter also mentioned that despite repeated requests and reminders, the requisite information and documents have not been supplied by RERA so far.
The latest letter from the Chief Secretary and Dhiman’s response come on the heels of the controversy surrounding the Chester Hill housing project in Solan district. Deputy Commissioner (DC), Solan, is looking into the alleged violations in the Chester Hill housing project, with the BJP making it a major political issue.
Allegations of irregularities in the Chester Hill housing project had brought two retired Chief Secretaries — Srikant Baldi and RD Dhiman (now RERA Chairman) — and one sitting Chief Secretary, Sanjay Gupta, face-to-face. The three had traded allegations on the issue, causing major embarrassment to the state government.
